What happened to Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad?
On July 8, 2025, a shocking incident took place at the All India Radio MLA Hostel in Mumbai when Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad, representing Buldhana, physically assaulted a canteen employee over complaints about stale food. The viral video showed Gaikwad slapping and punching the worker, leading to widespread outrage. The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quickly suspended the canteen’s license and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the act, saying it sent a “wrong message” to the public. This blog examines the incident in detail, its implications and its implications for public accountability, and addresses key questions readers may have about the controversy.
How did the incident turn out?
Background to the complaint
During the monsoon session of the Maharashtra Assembly, Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad ordered food from the canteen of the All India Radio MLAs’ Hostel. According to Gaikwad, the dal and rice served were “rotten” and smelled foul, which led him to confront the canteen staff. He claimed that he had made similar complaints many times in the past, citing issues like stale food, rodents in the kitchen and foreign objects like lizards in the food served to other diners.
Viral video
In a video recorded by a viewer, Gaikwad, wearing a vest and towel, barges into the canteen and scolds the staff. He is seen repeatedly hitting and punching an employee, forcing him to smell the dal packet and refusing to pay the bill. The footage, which went viral on social media, has drawn sharp criticism for Gaikwad’s aggressive behaviou
Gaikwad’s defence
Justifying his actions, Shiv Sena MLA Gaikwad described himself as a “warrior” and cited the teachings of Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, saying he had to respond “in Shiv Sena style” after his complaints were ignored. He further claimed expertise in identifying stale food, saying, “I can tell by smelling it in a minute.” Gaikwad expressed no remorse, claiming that the poor quality of food in the canteen was endangering lives.
Aftermath of the incident
Canteen license suspended
Following the viral video, the Maharashtra FDA investigated a canteen run by Ajanta Caterers. On July 9, 2025, the FDA suspended the catering service provider’s license for violating the provisions of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 and related rules. The agency collected food samples for testing to verify Gaikwad’s claims of poor quality. This swift action highlighted the seriousness of the food safety concerns at the MLA hostel, where thousands of people reportedly eat daily.
Political reaction
Leaders of the ruling and opposition parties condemned the incident:
- Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis: Describing Gaikwad’s behaviour as “inappropriate”, Fadnavis said it had tarnished the reputation of the MLA and urged the Assembly Speaker and the Legislative Council President to take action. He stressed that complaints about food quality should be resolved through proper channels, not violence.
- Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde: As the leader of the Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction, Shinde condemned Gaikwad, saying that while legal action was appropriate for the complaints, “hitting is not right”.
- Opposition leaders: Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders including Uddhav Thackeray and Anil Parab criticised Gaikwad, with Parab demanding his suspension from the Legislative Council. Thackeray suggested that the incident could be an attempt to discredit CM Fadnavis.
No Legal Action Yet
As of July 10, 2025, neither the canteen contractor nor the assaulted employee has filed a police complaint. Gaikwad claimed his actions were in “self-defense,” though this assertion has been widely disputed.
What caused the outrage?
Abuse of power
The assault on a Shiv Sena MLA raised concerns about the culture of impunity among political figures. Critics, including Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, pointed to Gaikwad’s history of controversial behaviour, such as offering a reward if he “cuts out” Rahul Gandhi’s tongue in 2024. The incident has sparked debates about whether elected representatives abuse their power.
Public Health Concerns
Gaikwad’s allegations about the canteen—stale food, rodents, and foreign objects—highlighted serious food safety issues. With 5,000–10,000 people reportedly dining at the hostel, the incident underscored the need for stricter oversight of food services at public facilities.
Impact on Shiv Sena’s Image
The controversy embarrassed the Shinde-led Shiv Sena, already navigating factional tensions with the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT). The incident provided ammunition for opposition parties to question the ruling coalition’s governance and discipline.
What can readers learn from this incident?
Resolving grievances appropriately
While Gaikwad’s long-standing frustration with food was valid, his violent response was widely condemned. Readers may also take away the importance of resolving grievances through proper channels, such as filing formal grievances with authorities or escalating issues to regulatory bodies like the FDA.
Importance of food safety
The suspension of a canteen’s license serves as a reminder to consumers to be vigilant about the quality of food. If you encounter poor-quality food at a public facility, report it to local health authorities or the FDA. In India, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) provides guidelines for filing complaints.
Holding public figures accountable
This incident highlights the need for citizens to demand accountability from elected representatives. Sharing videos or raising concerns on platforms like X can exacerbate problems, as seen in this case. However, make sure the claims are verified to avoid spreading misinformation.
How Can Similar Incidents Be Prevented?
- Stricter Food Safety Regulations: Public facilities like MLA hostels should undergo regular FDA inspections to ensure compliance with food safety standards.
- Training for Public Figures: Elected representatives could benefit from training on conflict resolution and ethical conduct to prevent misuse of power.
- Grievance Redressal Systems: Establishing clear, accessible complaint mechanisms at public facilities can address issues before they escalate.
- Public Awareness: Educating citizens about their rights to safe food and how to report violations can empower communities.
Stay Informed and Engaged
The Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad incident is a wake-up call for both authorities and citizens to prioritize food safety and accountability. Want to stay updated on this controversy or learn more about public health and governance in Maharashtra? Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly insights or explore our related articles:
Conclusion: A lesson in accountability
The Mumbai incident involving Shiv Sena MLA Sanjay Gaikwad underscores the consequences of unchecked power and the importance of addressing grievances constructively. While the suspension of the canteen’s license addresses immediate concerns, the broader issues of food safety and political conduct require continued attention. By being informed and holding public figures accountable, we can foster a more accountable and transparent society.
